With just three games left in their qualifying campaign, Phil Neville's side need to secure three points against Russia to reclaim top spot

England Women continue their World Cup qualifying campaign when they face Russia Women at the Sapsan Arena in Moscow on Friday.

Phil Neville's side are currently second in the group, after Wales won their game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday night to move a point ahead of England.

The Lionesses' last match saw them beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 away from home and they will be hoping for a similar result to take them back to the top of the group to continue their unbeaten run in qualifying.

England captain Steph Houghton is out due to sustaining an injury to her right knee and will be undergoing surgery this week to treat it.

Isobel Christiansen and Jordan Nobbs have also both withdrawn from the England squad due to minor thigh and foot injuries, respectively, with Lauren Bruton and Lucy Staniforth coming in as replacements.

Match Preview

The England Women match against Russia is the fifth of their World Cup qualifying games, where they currently sit second in Group One.

With just three games to go until their fate is decided, the Lionesses need to win the group to secure a place in the Women's World Cup in France next year. Second place will secure a play-off with the runner-up from another group.

Captain Steph Houghton is out with a knee injury, as well as Isobel Christiansen and Jordan Nobbs both having to withdraw from the game against Russia due to injury. Lucy Staniforth and Lauren Bruton have both been called up as replacements and will make their debut for the England Women.

Ahead of Friday's game, England Women's coach Phil Neville said: “This is a great opportunity to take a giant step towards our goal of making it to the finals in France next year.

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“We know from recent experience that teams are wary of our attacking threat and we expect Russia to be no different."

The result of the game will see the Lionesses move closer to securing the group's top spot and pave the way to the finals in France 2019.